OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of stenting main vessel on side branches and to compare the different effects on side branches between BMS and DES (Taxus and Cypher).

METHODSWe reviewed the angiograms and the medical records of 183 patients who had received stent implantation in coronary main vessels and had follow-up angiograms. Any side branch was jailed by stent was evaluated.

RESULTSSide branch occlusion occurred in 8.9% in all branches (10.5% in Cypher DES group, 11.1% in Taxus DES group and 7.8% in BMS group). Spontaneous recanalization of side branches was observed in 72% (90.9% in Cypher DES, 66.7% in Taxus stent group and 66.7% in BMS). The ostial side branch stenosis before stenting and the involvement of the side branch origin within the lesion of the parent vessel are the major independent predictors for side branch occlusion.

CONCLUSIONSThe influence of different DES implantations in coronary main vessels on side branches were similar and there was no difference between DES and BMS. Side branch occlusion had relatively benign clinical course. Most occluded side branches had late spontaneous reperfusion.